Best Easy Paccheri con Ragù di Polpo Recipe

Large tubes of pasta with a slow-braised octopus ragù from southern Italy. This high protein mediterranean dish is fresh and elegant, perfect for a family dinner with coastal flair.

Cook 90 min Difficulty NORMAL 540 kcal
#mediterranean #high protein #diabetic friendly #DASH
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Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • paccheri pasta 16 oz
  • octopus (cleaned) 24 oz
  • yellow onion 1 pieces
  • celery stalk 2 pieces
  • carrot 1 pieces
  • crushed tomatoes 2 cups
  • extra virgin olive oil 4 tbsp
Seasonings/Sauce
  • garlic 2 cloves
  • fresh parsley 0.25 cup
  • dry white wine 0.5 cup
  • salt 1 tsp
  • black pepper 0.5 tsp
  • red pepper flakes 0.25 tsp
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 79 g 59%
Protein 24 g 18%
Fat 13 g 23%
Serving size 350g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    Heat the extra virgin olive oil in a large heavy pot over medium heat. Add onion, celery, and carrot, sauté gently until softened (about 8 minutes), controlling heat to avoid browning.

  2. 2

    Add the garlic and octopus, stirring well. Raise heat to high and cook until the octopus starts to release moisture, then pour in dry white wine. Simmer until wine mostly evaporates (5 minutes).

  3. 3

    Lower heat to medium-low. Stir in crushed tomatoes, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Cover and braise for 90 minutes, stirring occasionally and maintaining a gentle simmer for tender octopus.

  4. 4

    Remove octopus from sauce, chop it into bite-sized pieces, then return it to the pot. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed, simmer ragù uncovered for 15 more minutes for proper texture.

  5. 5

    Boil paccheri pasta in salted water until al dente, drain, then add to the ragù. Toss well on low heat for 2 minutes, ensuring pasta absorbs sauce flavors. Finish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What's the key ingredient in this recipe?
The standout ingredient is octopus, which brings a tender texture and deep seafood flavor to the ragù. Combined with the paccheri pasta and aromatic vegetables, it defines both the taste and coastal identity of this Mediterranean dish.
Q. How should I control heat when cooking the octopus ragù?
Start by sautéing aromatics over medium heat to soften without browning. When adding octopus and wine, briefly raise the heat to evaporate the alcohol, then maintain a gentle simmer on medium-low for the braising phase—this ensures tender octopus and prevents toughness.
Q. What steps prevent overcooked or undercooked pasta and octopus?
To avoid overcooking, braise the octopus gently and chop before returning to the sauce—this keeps it tender. For the pasta, cook until just al dente, then finish tossing in the ragù over low heat, allowing maximum flavor absorption without mushiness.
Q. How many calories and what is the protein-to-carb ratio per serving?
Each serving contains 540 kcal, with 24g protein (18%) and 79g carbohydrates (59%) by caloric ratio. The recipe is high in protein thanks to octopus, making it a satisfying main course with balanced macronutrients.
Q. Which tags best describe this dish for dietary searches?
Based on the ingredients and nutrition profile, this dish fits Mediterranean, high protein, diabetic friendly, and DASH tags—it's rich in lean seafood protein, uses olive oil, vegetables, and maintains moderate carbs with minimal processed ingredients.
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